Rape As Weapon of War

(Goma, DR Congo) Doctors Without Borders estimates that 5,700 women and girls have been raped this year in the Nord-Kivu region.

Since fresh fighting broke out in August between government troops and rebels, sexual assaults on women in Congo have risen to levels not seen for many years, according to The International Rescue Committee (IRC), a New-York based humanitarian group.

As Laurent Nkunda's National Council for the Defence of the People continue to fight, much of the Nord-Kivu region remains lawless, plagued by widespread looting and violence.

"Women and girls are once again threatened by sexual violence that has hit new heights in Nord-Kivu in a context of instability and the huge displacement of civilians," the IRC said.

According to Susan Spencer of the IRC, "Rape is being used as a weapon of war."

It's predictable that someone will recommend sending in UN troops to quell the violence. Unfortunately, based on reports of previous UN involvement in Africa, the prevalence of rape would likely increase rather than diminish.